The sesame chicken is super yummy! This place is really awesome if you're not too sure what you want because their combinations give you the choice of two or three items with a side of white or brown rice and another side of mac salad OR a green salad. I'm not sure about you, but I love the choice of variety. Their options are pretty endless and everything is so tasty. I would highly recommend getting a combo plate to try a few things out. They're fried gyoza, sesame chicken, chicken katsu and mac salad are SO GOOD! Definitely try this place out if you're on a budget but want a good amount of food. read more

Rice Things - Sesame Chicken & Katsu! SO TASTY. - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

Great prices for good food! They have 2-3 item combos, sushi rolls, katsu plates, and teriyaki options. Sushi quality is also good. I usually get the salmon katsu plate or the Philadelphia salmon roll and a small house salad. It's a small restaurant and seats are in a first come basis. There's a small area outside with a few tables and chairs. Friendly staff. I have never had a problem with my order. Always on point. Parking is limited and it can get really busy. It's located on the corner Mackay Lane and Artesia. It's in a small plaza where Mackays donut house and Uncle Nicks liquor store. read more

I am giving this 3 stars. I have lived in Redondo for 30 yrs, my entire life. I am really disappointed by the changes that happened after the new management has changed much of the menu and the decor. Why "fix" something if it ain't broke. Sometimes it's better in the hands of the old owners. (Insert Kim's convient store from Netflix quote here). This place used to be my go to mainly bc it was good decently priced even after they raised them the first time when I was in community college, and because it was so close by to my house and work. Now I go all the way to South Redondo or Hermosa for similar style sushi combos. read more

One of my favorite Japanese spots in the south bay. They just have great quality food for the prices. You can't beat that. The only thing is the shopping center that they're in can have limited parking but I never seem to struggle to find parking. I always order the two item plate. Comes with your choice items (plenty to choose from.) On my last visit, I tried some sushi and it was pretty good; fresh and tasty. The staff is always so helpful and friendly. Thank you for your continued service. read more

I loved this place as a kid growing up. I'm more of a chicken teriyaki or tempura fan than sushi, but I like sushi too. I came back with a friend as an adult and realized I was out of my mind growing up. I knew nothing about food. This restaurant is in a narrow unit of a little strip mall. Nice area but very cramped inside. The chicken is pretty fatty, the tempura is not as crispy as it should, and the sushi is pretty bland. Yes it's cheap but your money is better spent elsewhere on something edible. Sucks that there's no good Japanese food in Redondo - guess you just gotta do more research and head to Torrance. read more

I used to go to this place so much. But then moving further away made it harder to go. We were staying with our friends in Redondo Beach so we stopped in for a very late lunch the other day. Happy to report that they are still doing what they do best... great food and reasonable prices and portions. We just have to remind ourselves that it's worth the drive to dine at this establishment. YUMMM read more

Rice Things have really big portions for a very affordable price! The seating area is kind of small, but luckily I didn't have trouble finding a seat when I went. The workers there are really nice and my food came out pretty fast too! I ordered a crunchy roll and the only thing I didn't like was the amount of cucumbers in it. Overall, the servers were nice and the food was good and affordable! read more

Rice Things - Crunchy Roll! - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

Love this local spot. The owner, George, is a true hustler. Hard worker who is not afraid to bus his tables, take phone orders, ring people up, or make the food. Really respect this place and the food is top quality. You can't beat the sushi for the price and I love the rice bowls and udon soups. I recommend ordering a head of time because the wait can be long but it usually takes 20 minutes. read more

I was a customer for 22 years! It was an excellent restaurant that offered decent healthy meals at very inexpensive prices. I understand they have to increase prices, but by god! These clowns not only increased the prices by about 30-35%, but they drastically reduced the quality of food. $19 is too much for a 3 item combo, which includes nasty sushi and 17 cents worth of lettuce. A $7 calamari salad used to be my favorite, which had different vegetables. Now they reverted to plain lettuce and few chunks of chewy calamari for almost $12. I was just there few days ago, and was amazed at the drastic change. You bet I am not coming back. Read all recent comments. We all can't be wrong. I am sure they are aware that they are losing customers. I am certainly not coming back, after 22 years!!!! Rice things RIP. read more

I love rice things for a quick meal. The two item combo is a go to for me. They even have masubi now.

I have great news to share..... the old Rice Things is back!!! We have been going here for over 20 years and when the new management took place we completely stopped. The portions are back to where they were, the SALAD DRESSING is back and the customer service is back! Can't wait to put them back into the weekly rotation. Thanks Rice Things for taking action and listening to your long time customers. See you soon! read more

I really enjoyed dining here. Prices are reasonable. The food comes out fast. There are plenty of options.

I tried the sesame chicken the first time I came here--to see if it was my favorite, it wasn't. It was pretty awful and not very chewable...like tacky, used gum...or jerky! I definitely wouldn't get it again. I like the rice, and like that you can substitute for brown rice and that kind of stuff. I really didn't like the miso soup, but my boyfriend did. I much prefer the soup at Gardena Bowl--but maybe that just means that I know nothing about miso soup :) I liked how plentiful the portions were for just under ten dollars, definitely cheap as dirt. It's more than enough, but not an exaggerated amount--it's getting there though. I had the eel roll, and it was very right under the belt of average--like prepackaged "sushi" you would buy. I really wanted to love this place, I really did, but I think that it is just average and can definitely be okay. My boyfriend had the beef teriyaki and he absolutely loved it--an avid Rascals fan. I agree with many of you that the meat here is DEFINITELY better than Rascal's--Rascal's tends to have a lot of fatty in the meat, and I think that it is disgusting that they cover it with teriyaki sauce. Not this place, the meat was good, but it still doesn't beat the Rascal's teriyaki sauce, nope, can't beat that--I would actually order the beef teriyaki here without being disappointed in the meat though. Anyway, I really like the whole make-your-own combo thing and will definitely be going here a lot--I just don't think the food is that eventful. The salad is not my type of salad, but it was good--nice and fresh, and the dressing was nice too. I also should mention that the sushi was kind of sloppily made--this always annoys me from places "making sushi". I definitely think that this place is a big ol' hit or miss type of thing. I would probably go here again if I was bored and kind of had to eat, but really didn't have to eat, but still had to eat if we were on the go. Key word: BLAND! Their good dishes really save them. All their part-timers taking orders aren't anywhere near friendly, but whatever, they are teenagers--what can you expect?, really. This is definitely a fast-food type of place, so I wouldn't bring anybody here for an even kind-of serious dinner. I don't think it earns a "hole in the wall" rating. read more

Since the new ownership took over; the only good thing they've done is added one register. Everything else sucks: - Prices up by 30% - Reduced menu - Reduced portions (even the drinks are smaller). Sure fire way to lose business: change what used to be a good value; into nickle & dimming your customers. What an absolute disappointment. read more

The Kids Need to be Schooled! Please, oh please bring back the originator of Rice Things! Miss the Polo's, shorts and Nikes as if he just walked off the green! His discipline at the restaurant is clearly missing! Sadly, we will now avoid the great and wonderful "Rice Things". For literally years we enjoyed the menu full of amazing options and their 2 item dinner deals. The latter deals are still there but the menu is lack luster and has things listed that aren't available. The new dressing they are using on the salad isn't the same as before and both my wife and I have had upset tummy's. It tasted different and we gave it a chance. Little did we know it would be and continues to be the porcelain catalyst! Great to hear it's still in the family and the kids are running the place now. The new upgraded paint and cash registers look great and the simplified menu could have been a welcome (I guess), but you "can't put lipstick on a pig". Sorry family but our time has come to an end unless something drastic changes. Maybe take some more time for your finishing touches and making sure that all the food is what it needs to be. Still love the Sesame Chicken. But no Philadelphia roll? What? When I asked I was told, "you could do a salmon roll and we will put cream cheese on it. It's the same thing". Nope, it is not! read more

** It seems they are trying "less is more" but they are only achieving LESS. ** I have LOVED this place for years. It sucks writing this review. So from what I've gathered the son & daughter took over for the original owner that retired. Sadly, instead of letting a good thing keep being great, they (the new owners) have decided to "New & Improve" things and it is totally failing. Here is the run-down as of now. 1. I usually have a Tuna Poke Don bowl. The miso soup now tastes more bland, like fresh out of the box. No spice, less flavor... 2. There used have a bit of sauce on the rice on the Poke Don bowl, now that is gone. The actual bowl size was more functional, but the food was not at the same quality, tasted more bland. 3. They are FAILING HARD on miso salad dressing. It taste like now watered down and bland. We will never buy it again, sad. 4. They got rid of all the window coverings. It is like sitting in a hellish oven in the afternoon. 5. The new pay system works, better, but I was little annoyed with tip being pushed all the time. 6. They used to be open until 9pm, now they are shutting it down at 8pm. This is much less accommodating to people in the area. It seems they are trying "less is more" but they are only achieving LESS. Just keep things as they were, that tasted better and I'll be delighted to be back. read more

It's not the same anymore after new ownership took over. It used to be one of my favorites take out food every week. Sadly I'll have to replace with another Japanese take out. read more

Ever since this place changed owners, it was all down hill. The food is decent and all when you do take out. But customer service at this establishment is horrific. Today at lunch, i was kicked out of a table because the man in charge told me that for parties of 3, we have to fit in 1 tiny table. Mind you, the restaurant is empty. I was already sitting at the table (shown in pic 1) and he was like "nonono, party of 3 is for 1 table" as I look around, there are people of 1 at a table and a ton of empty tables. Also, we bought our food separately, its not like we bought it all at once. He then forced the waitress to put my food in the table with my friends where i wasn't sitting which forced me to stand up and move to their table. What kind of place treats their customer this way. I even said, excuse me, this is ridiculous, were gonna be cramped in the table. I was livid. I used to be a regular customer at this place but now, i will not be coming back. If you keep treating your customers like this, you will loose them. I will not be disrespected and treated that way. If you wan't to be talked down to, this is the place for you. There are far better places to go to than this garbagio location. read more

So sad to say that as a long time, loyal customer of over 15 years that I most likely won't be returning. Disappointed in the "new look" and "changes in prices". The menu items are different as well. The original owner retired and his kids are changing what was a staple in the community goodbye Rice Things read more

I've been coming here for 10+ years. I recently went to get dinner after all the changes. The menu has shrunk but my main go to is combo plate with lean katsu and salon avocado roll. Everything tasted the same and if anything my salon rolls were bigger portion than before. My friend ordered the salon don bowl and the sizes are a lot bigger than before. The salad dressing has changed. It's suppose to be healthier, but they also sell the salad dressing they use to use in the fridge if you are looking for it! I have not tried the sushi burrito but my friend has recommended it to me. That will be my next item to try! read more

Went here during soft opening and yes prices did go up which is understandable but why change the menu, smaller portion size and salad dressing. No longer traditional sesame dressing instead some weak I believe honey mustard dressing. Also I could no longer order my fav salmon skin roll with my two item combo. I am bummed of all the changes and might give them one more try hoping that they do read latest yelp reviews and try to get back to what brought them all the success in the first place. read more

This was my first time trying this... My husband has been talking about this place for a loooong time lol.. So today was the day... It's just down the street from my job kinda so I went right after work It was about $20 and it was soooooo much food omg lol. We didn't get to finish it we had to save some for later... We ordered way too much obviously but it was good... The sesame chicken was good but it was too dry and I think it might have been burned but I'm not sure :( I liked it though I'm pretty sure we will be back read more

Rice Things - All this three sushi containers all for $20 can't beat that - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

I would have given this place 5 stars, but things have changed. Had been coming here since 2006, but it just recently changed ownership or something. Place looks generic inside, lost it's charm, changed menu a bit, no more udon soup, prices have gone up and it's just all different. Unfortunately, I will never be going back after all these years. Thank you to the original owners, for all your years of service, great food, great prices and originality. read more

If you've never been here when mom & dad ran it, it's going to be fine, you will most likely like it. But if you have been coming here for years, then this is sad ending to a great era of our local Japanese favorite. I'll leave you to read the reviews of other long time patrons who were also disappointed with the changes. read more

Update: New ownership is terrible.. I use to go at least once a week the past 15 years. Quality of food changed downgraded, they don't have the same amount of portion and they raised the prices. It's always empty now every time I pass by. I refuse to go anymore and they won't last. read more

My husband and I have been coming here for YEARS... We decided to go the day they reopened since the ownership changed. I hate to say it... We were incredibly disappointed. They got rid of the spicy teriyaki plate from the menu. The only way to get it is to order it as a combo meal with 2 items. We received it and the portions were no where NEAR what they originally were. It didn't have that amazing spicy kick and the sauce overall just wasn't the same. They also increased the price, and we don't even get the full portion we used to! I hope this changes in the future... We love Rice Things and would like to keep coming. read more

As a 15 year customer, I understand the need and support the increased rates during this transition with the children taking over the family business. This needs to be done to keep Rice Things around! However, please bring back the salad dressing and many menu items. Loyal locals are willing to pay increased prices for the staples we have loved for so long. read more

The food is good and very reasonably priced. There's a line out the door at lunch time. So as I'm standing here waiting for them to prepare the take out order, I'm seeing what's going on in the kitchen. EEEWW! If only they would wear gloves. They handle EVERYTHING with their bare hands (even the steamed vegetable bunched up in their hands and slapped on the plates). One of them wiped his nose and touched the food. I would have enjoyed the food more if I didn't see that. PLEASE MAKE YOUR EMPLOYEES WEAR GLOVES OR USE UTENSILS read more

Rice Things - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

Worst customer service. Food is ok. I ordered over the phone they said 20 mins. I showed up 25 mins later paid and was told it would be a few mins more. Well that turned into an additional 40 and I would have left but had already paid for it. And the cherry on top my order was wrong and missing items. read more

Lunch time is a bit crazy in this place, and I think it is because of the price. The combo pictured was good enough for the cost I guess, but the tempura was soggy and the sesame chicken was tough and dry while the coating on it was soggy. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/jWs_UXMwvUv5IxSnDZVCQg?select=Gl0K0udo_l-HECdn8ILecA#Gl0K0udo_l-HECdn8ILecA Haven't been in a couple of years but it seems like the prices have definitely gone up. Will I return? Yeah, I guess if someone else wanted to go. But would it be my idea? Nope, too many other good options in the south bay. read more

Rice Things - Lean Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetable Tempura with Salad and Rice - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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What happened to the charming menu? The new menu seems a bit generic and a lot more expensive. I paid more than $10 for a 2 item combo, including a $1 up charge for salmon. The serving in my to go container was literally half of what they usually serve. There was no attention to detail in the presentation, and my sushi was in an ugly, square styrofoam container (?) with a pair of chopsticks and napkin thrown in the bag. I'm so confused. Honestly, for the same amount of money, I can get better quality and greater quantity. Not sure I'll be back. I'm so sad. read more

Rice Things - Spider roll 5 large cut pieces. $8.95 The bf liked it. - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

The foods really good and great portions, BUT they have flies buzzing in and out, the waiter came to bring us our food to the table and a fly flew straight into my moms food and the waiter just shooed it away and didn't bother to bring her a new plate of inari... all she said was sorry smh they also had a little cockroach running around the wall last time i went, such a shame to give them 2 stars because the foods really amazing but they are a little dirty, if your gonna have flies all over our food, atleast give us our money back or something, don't just say sorry and continue to serve us the contaminated food read more

Rice Things - nice cockroach decor - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

This place is the worst place I had ever been short story I ordered a chicken bowl and it was awful the chicken tasted like cardboard very dried no flavor like it wasn't real chicken, the owner was so rude broken English I hardly understood but he defused to replace the order or give a refund it seems he doesn't care about customers only cares about his profit, I ended up throwing the food into the trash can because I couldn't eat it, I will never buy from this place again, stay away read more

Rice Things - Japanese Near Me - Redondo Beach, California

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I've been coming here for almost 20 years. It was always great when the Matsukuma family owned and ran it. I know he retired and not sure who took the restaurant over. Yes, it did go through a downturn and the food wasn't very good. Haven't gone back for over 6 months. I was pretty sad. I went back today after reading they have improved their food again. I have always loved their lean chicken katsu curry. Glad to report it's good again. The curry sauce is a little different, but still very good. Also had the cucumber roll. A little skimpy on the rice. The prices have definitely gone up, but to be expected during these times. Glad to see that the food is back up to expectations. Keep it up! read more

Great tasting food! They give you a large amount of food at a very cheap price. Ownership has changed, but still same great taste, price slightly increase, and gives less rice. read more

This place is excellent value for japenese food. You can get a 3 item combo for 11.50. Personally I get the Katsu, sesame chicken and spicy California roll. It comes with rice and an awesome salad. I live a couple miles away but still drive here maybe once every 3 months or so. Food quality is still the same as before. I'm not sure what everyone is talking about. Prices are more expensive. I think the 3 item was 9 bucks before. So almost a 33 percent increase from a couple years. read more

Went here very frequently in my school days and now 15 years later decided to come back - for the money it's always been a good amount of decent food, just don't expect a high scale restaurant-quality experience or anything. Still a step above most fast food in my book Nice for a relatively quick combo meal or rice bowl - but not that quick because the wait can be a little lengthier than just a california roll and teriyaki chicken might suggest. Suggest calling your order in ahead. read more

I used to come here regularly for some cheap but decent sushi. I called up my usual order and was surprised by the total cost. $3 more than what I'm used to paying. I walk in and noticed new registers at the counter. Obviously there are new owners that took over the place. I paid for my order and I wanted to give the new owners the benefit of the doubt. I was hoping to get a bigger portion than what I usually I get because what used to be cheap sushi is now regular priced sushi. I come home and find that it is LESS than what I usually get. Sorry but you lost me as a customer. read more

This Japanese place is legit in the sense that their rolls are BOMB and very tasty. We got a soba salad, chicken karage, and I think the plate #10. Plate 10 has two tamago rolls, 4 pieces of sushi, and 3 pieces of inari sushi. The soba salad was really good and it was interesting to see soba used as a salad. The salad dressing was very light and tart. It was delicious and tasted very healthy (hopefully it was). The sushi plate was absolutely delicious and every roll tasted amazing. The chicken karage was your ordinary chicken karage. There could have been more seasoning used. Overall it's a good place to eat and try Japanese food. All these cost $19.90 read more

I love this place. Not sure why this place has 3.5 stars to be honest. This place is super affordable and honestly a really great deal. The portion sizes are good but when combined with the low price it's hard to beat. I recommend doing the combination plate with either two of three choices (I usually do 3). The price of the combo plate will change based on your choices, but either way it's really affordable. The service is good. The food is delivered to the table after ordering up front. They are always very fast and polite. The one problem with this place is sometimes parking can be tough as the lot is small. But there is usually always parking when I go. Highly recommend to anyone young and old for fast, good, cheap food. I will definitely be back! read more